Quality Tires | Tire RackTire Rack:Quality Tireshttp://blog.TireRack.com/blog/quality-tires/rss
Sun, 02 Aug 2015 22:26:06 +0000FeedCreator 1.7.3KONI's FSD Damper Set Can Do It Allhttp://blog.TireRack.com/blog/steering-you-right-with-sonny/konis-fsd-damper-set-can-do-it-all
<p><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?make=Koni&amp;model=FSD+Damper+Set&amp;group=FSD+Damper+Set&amp;cat=Shocks&amp;affiliate=GF3"><img alt="" src="http://www.tirerack.com/images/product_images/suspension/koni/koni_fsd_440px.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 150px; margin: 5px; float: left;" /></a>When customers call in to Tire Rack for advice on parts, we always ask qualifying questions to focus our suggestions on the customer&#39;s wants and needs. For example, when selling tires, we will ask the customer what characteristics are most important to them, i.e. ride comfort, steering response, dry traction, longevity, etc. Very often, the initial response is, &quot;all of the above.&quot; In most every instance, there are some trade-offs to be made. &nbsp;</p>
<p>When selling suspension components we run into the same kind of scenario, the customer wants a suspension that does it all and provides a smooth, comfortable ride as well as makes the vehicle handle like its on rails. Luckily, when it comes to suspension, the <a href="http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?make=Koni&amp;model=FSD+Damper+Set&amp;group=FSD+Damper+Set&amp;cat=Shocks&amp;affiliate=GF3">KONI FSD Damper Set</a> can produce that excellent ride quality with improved handling.</p>
<p>FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) is a Formula One derived technology for street use. By manipulating the flow of oil through the dampers&#39; valving, KONI is able to provide confidence-inspiring and responsive handling with composed negotiation of uneven pavement.&nbsp;Many modern cars rely on complicated, bulky, heavy and expensive computer controlled suspension systems to achieve similar results. Outside of the obvious seat-of-the-pants benefit the FSD kit provides, the beauty of the system lies in its simplicity.</p>
<p>To learn more about the KONI FSD Damper Set, read &quot;<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/tests/koni_fsd.jsp?affiliate=GF3">KONI FSD Dampers Improve Handling Without the Traditional Sacrifice in Ride Quality</a>.&quot;</p>
The Tire RackThu, 23 Jul 2015 16:19:18 +0000http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/steering-you-right-with-sonny/konis-fsd-damper-set-can-do-it-allSonny ShawBest Tires for the Nissan Altimahttp://blog.TireRack.com/blog/make-driving-fun/best-tires-for-the-nissan-altima
<p>If you&#39;re the proud owner of a Nissan Altima, you already know that this car has a great combination of sporty handling, interior space and amenities that provide a great value. Whether you have the roomy sedan or the sporty coupe, the type of replacement tires you choose can have a large effect on the handling and ride quality of this car. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Some sporty&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/index.jsp?affiliate=FH8">tires</a> can produce tread noise, which can be especially noticeable at&nbsp;highway speeds or on certain road surfaces. On the other hand, tires that have sub-par traction and sloppy steering response can remove much of the sporty handling and fun of the Nissan Altima. Take a look at tires from the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=GTAS&amp;affiliate=FH8">Grand Touring All-Season</a> and <a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=UHPAS&amp;affiliate=FH8">Ultra High Performance All-Season</a>&nbsp;category to optimize the balance between ride, noise, wear and sporty handling. &nbsp;</p>
<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&amp;tireModel=ExtremeContact+DWS+06&amp;affiliate=FH8" title="Continental ExtremeContact DWS"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/conti/co_xtrcontactdws_ci2_l.jpg" style="margin:0px !important;" width="120" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&amp;tireModel=ExtremeContact+DWS+06&amp;affiliate=FH8" title="Continental ExtremeContact DWS">Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06</a>
<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&amp;tireModel=Pilot+Sport+A%2FS+3+%28W-+or+Y-Speed+Rated%29&amp;affiliate=FH8" title="Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/michelin/mi_pilot_spt_as3_ci2_l.jpg" style="margin:0px !important;" width="120" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&amp;tireModel=Pilot+Sport+A%2FS+3+%28W-+or+Y-Speed+Rated%29&amp;affiliate=FH8" title="Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3">Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3</a>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&amp;tireModel=PureContact+with+EcoPlus+Technology&amp;affiliate=FH8" title=" Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology "><img alt=" Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology " border="0" height="120" src="http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/conti/co_purec_ep_ci2_l.jpg" style="margin:0px !important;" width="120" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&amp;tireModel=PureContact+with+EcoPlus+Technology&amp;affiliate=FH8" title=" Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology ">Continental PureContact with EcoPlus<br />
Technology </a>
<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&amp;tireModel=Turanza+Serenity+Plus&amp;affiliate=FH8" title=" Bridgestone Turanza Serentiy Plus"><img alt=" Bridgestone Turanza Serentiy Plus" border="0" height="120" src="http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/bridgestone/bs_turan_serenp_ci2_l.jpg" style="margin:0px !important;" width="120" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&amp;tireModel=Turanza+Serenity+Plus&amp;affiliate=FH8" title=" Bridgestone Turanza Serentiy Plus">Bridgestone Turanza Serenity<br />
Plus</a>
<p><br />
If you prefer better handling and faster steering response or just tend to drive more aggressively, then top Ultra High Performance All-Season tires such as the &nbsp;<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&amp;tireModel=ExtremeContact+DWS+06&amp;affiliate=FH8">Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&amp;tireModel=Pilot+Sport+A%2FS+3+%28W-+or+Y-Speed+Rated%29&amp;affiliate=FH8">Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3</a> are ideal for you. The new Continental DWS 06 would be an especially good option for areas with moderate winter conditions as it performs well in light snow conditions. You can learn more about this tire by reading, &quot;<a href="http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/make-driving-fun/continental-extremecontact-dws-replaced-by-extremecontact-dws-06">Continental ExtremeContact DWS Replaced by ExtremeContact DWS 06</a>.&quot;</p>
<p>If you&#39;re more of an average or even mellow driver, you can give up some handling and sporty driving for a softer, quieter ride with longer wear. If this sounds like you, then check out top tires in the Grand Touring All-Season category like the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&amp;tireModel=PureContact+with+EcoPlus+Technology&amp;affiliate=FH8">Continental PureContact with EcoPlus Technology</a> and <a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&amp;tireModel=Turanza+Serenity+Plus&amp;affiliate=FH8">Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus</a>.</p>
<p>Looking for more guidance? Check out our <a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/dg/MenuServlet?search=tdg&amp;affiliate=FH8">Tire Decision Guide</a>.</p>
The Tire RackTue, 09 Jun 2015 20:07:15 +0000http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/make-driving-fun/best-tires-for-the-nissan-altimaGary StanleyTire Rack Consumer Review of the Kumho Solus KR21http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-kumho-solus-kr21-v28
<p>Adding my review mainly because I have read so many bad reviews for these tires on wet surfaces. I have enjoyed EXCELLENT traction in extreme Florida rain. I feel very confident traveling in a pack at a moderate rate of speed in very wet conditions and with almost as much confidence as I do when traveling in the wet at speed in my 2007 Tahoe equipped with Michelin's.<br>I bought Kumho to save money. These were put on a 15-year old low mileage GMC Safari and I hoped I was not sacrificing performance or quality. I am NOT disappointed in these tires. My set seem to be way better than some of the others out there and I guess I am lucky.</p>Mon, 18 May 2015 11:18:37 +0000http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-kumho-solus-kr21-v28Tire Rack Consumer ReviewsTire Rack Consumer Review of the Pirelli Winter Carving Edgehttp://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-pirelli-winter-carving-edge-v13
<p>I can't contest for the mileage yet as I just purchased these less than 1000 miles ago. As for every other aspect of this tire,,,,,, WOW, I've owned winter specific tires in the past (Bridgestone's WS60, Firestone's and Dunlop's)The Bridgestone's were hands down a superior tire over the Dunlop's and Firestone's. But these Pirelli's have changed my expectations of what a winter tire can really be - Awesome! I had them mounted on std steel wheels from tirerack, they must have balanced them perfectly because the ride quality is excellent. I remember the WS60 being incredible in the snow and ice, but soft and mushy feeling in the dry. The ride with these Pirelli's is quite, soft yet firm in the dry and in the snow and ice,,,I truly cant see how these tires got 2nd in Tirerack test? My Mazada 6 is a 5 speed and in the snow and ice, its quite easy to break traction and have the traction control kick in. With these tires, you really have to make it a point to get the traction control to come on! I don't see how anyone would be disappointed with these tires. I will for sure buy another set for my soon to be driving 15 year old daughter!</p>Mon, 18 May 2015 11:18:29 +0000http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-pirelli-winter-carving-edge-v13Tire Rack Consumer ReviewsTire Rack Consumer Review of the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-bfgoodrich-all-terrain-ta-ko2-v3
<p>Great all around performer. Smooth, quiet ride, nice stiff sidewalls makes my truck ride all around much better. Stock Dunlops were a joke in comparison. Great in winter conditions. Snow flake rating and new compound deffinately is no lye. Alberta winter conditions are no problem for this tire so far.<br>Brand new tire so I can't comment on wear yet. Overall very impressed once again from BFG. <br>Previously owned BFG tires:<br>BFG Mud terrain k1 and k2. BFG All Terrain ko1. BFG Winter Slalom. BFG Radial gt. <br>And yes I have driven others like Kuhmo, Goodyear, Michelin, Dunlop. So I'm not biased only to BFG - they just continue to make quality tires with the latest advancements. (That's why this All terrain K02 was 20+ years in the making-the last generation was so good)<br>I would reccommend this tire for any weekend warrior type or even light to medium off roader. <br>Or anyone looking to enhance their OEM tire and handling. <br></p>Mon, 18 May 2015 11:16:42 +0000http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-bfgoodrich-all-terrain-ta-ko2-v3Tire Rack Consumer ReviewsTire Rack Consumer Review of the Kumho Sensehttp://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-kumho-sense-v5
<p>I have driven on this tire in dry, wet, and snowy conditions with both empty and fully loaded vehicle conditions. <br>This tire has exceeded my expectations for performance in all areas. I push my Neon fairly hard everywhere that I drive it and these tires have been great at inspiring confidence in turns, acceleration, and hard braking. <br>The Kumho Sense is a great value for this quality of tire. I was expecting a mediocre performing low cost tire, but this tire actually offers very good performance for its treadwear rating. It grips like a 300 treadwear tire while offering 460 treadwear durability. Most high treadwear rated tires are so hard that they sacrifice grip for longer tire life. This tire, however, seems to have found a happy balance between grip and resistance to wear. <br>I would highly recommend this tire over many competitors for a great performing value priced tire.</p>Mon, 18 May 2015 11:07:00 +0000http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-kumho-sense-v5Tire Rack Consumer ReviewsTire Rack Consumer Review of the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plushttp://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-bridgestone-turanza-serenity-plus-v97
<p>Was a sceptic regarding Bridgestone Tires, always thought of them as low quality, but these were the best price so I tried them. I am so happy with these tires, handling is great, they are extremely quiet, grippier than the previous Michelins. Cant complain, I am a convert.</p>Mon, 18 May 2015 11:00:29 +0000http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-bridgestone-turanza-serenity-plus-v97Tire Rack Consumer ReviewsTire Rack Consumer Review of the Continental ExtremeContact DWShttp://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-continental-extremecontact-dws-v549
<p>Owners know the SC430 is no sports car (my prior ride was a 993, and I married this car :) . In fact it rides harshly in the city and soft on the highway, and you'd have to fundamentally modify suspension from stock to change that. So I've been trying to find the tire that makes the most of what the car is and isn't. Couple sets of runflats, horrible, got the spare tire kit. Got a set of Conti Extreme Contact DW from Tire Rack, they were solid but the ride on the highway was no more responsive yet harsh; and around town, not as comfortable as most would want on this car. At about 27kmi on that set, was tracking for 35-40k mi of wear, but there was a growing amount of noise & tramlining. A pothole blew one out and pushed me into my next set. Instead of dropping down a level of tire, my local tire shop recommended if I was mostly happy with the prior Conti's, that I try the DWS as they would be just a bit different in ride quality. I am in SoCal and have no need for 4 season capability, but went with their recommendation. The Extreme Contact DWS feel like the end of my quest. Exactly the ride you'd expect this car to have around town: comfortable, with any softness attributable to the suspension, not tires. Yet, on the highway the car is quieter and equally as responsive at highway speed without the tendencies of the prior set. Recent rain in SoCal confirms that wet traction is as good as the dry traction, which is great. At 11.5k mi, should easily get past 40k mi wear. NOTE: On prior DWS set, had to balance 3 of 4 tires late in life; on the new DW set, struggled with vibration for 3 mos until they went beyond standard balancing machine to Road Force balance - all is great now. Very happy with a nice combination of all attributes; I highly recommend the Conti Extreme Contact DWS for the SC430.</p>Mon, 18 May 2015 10:56:19 +0000http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-continental-extremecontact-dws-v549Tire Rack Consumer ReviewsTire Rack Consumer Review of the Yokohama iceGUARD iG52chttp://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-yokohama-iceguard-ig52c-v3
<p>great tire for the price haven't put many miles on them yet and have yet to see heavy snow but for the price you cannot beat the quality noise level is minimal even at highway speeds and everything in between. great traction levels in all conditions also this is a great tire and would recommend them to anyone not wanting to spend Michelin or bridgestone winter tire money yet have the same studless tire features</p>Fri, 15 May 2015 20:41:16 +0000http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-yokohama-iceguard-ig52c-v3Tire Rack Consumer ReviewsTire Rack Consumer Review of the Hankook Optimo H727http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-hankook-optimo-h727-v73
<p>Was looking for a good tire in snow/ice conditions without going to dedicated winter tires. Read great reviews on this tire. Sales people try to steer towards more expensive Michelin (think it was MVX4) but this tire has been great, way better than oem tires on Forester XT, awesome in winter, and they seem to be very durable on top of all these great qualities!</p>Fri, 15 May 2015 20:38:08 +0000http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-hankook-optimo-h727-v73Tire Rack Consumer ReviewsTire Rack Consumer Review of the General AltiMAX RT43 (H- or V-Speed Rated)http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-general-altimax-rt43-h-or-v-speed-rated-v2
<p>We were so impressed with our first set of Altimax RT43 tires that we purchased another for our Jetta TDI. The car is mostly driven by my wife 120 miles/day commuting to work. With the winter we've had so far we've had little snow to deal with but again these tires didn't disappoint. Traction is great in the snow when combined to the TDI's DSG transmission. Anyone who's driven one will know what I'm talking about. Based on first impressions from the Mrs is they ride quieter than the OEMs, grip extremely well in icy/slick roads within the last couple weeks with the snow melt/refreeze. The commute can be hectic with a lot of hard braking in traffic and these tires, simply put, DO NOT disappoint. Handling is great. As I've mentioned in a previous review, warm up time is minimal to non-existent in colder weather. The car is kept in an unheated garage so this aspect is important when living in the country and plows don't always get out prior to the start of our days.<br><br>The best part, this quality of a tire for the money far surpasses anything else on the market today IMO. I've been through many different brands over the years and I can honestly say I've never spent this little on this good of a tire.<br><br>As for the less than favorable reviews, keep in mind that any product by any manufacturer is going to have a lemon. Not everyone lives in the perfect climate and not everyone drives in perfect conditions. There will be times when even the best of everything simply will not hold up. It's just too hard to judge considering the human influence or use after purchase. IMO, you WILL NOT find a better tire. Hence the reason our son will be purchasing a set of the RT 43 for his Nissan Altima.</p>Fri, 15 May 2015 20:33:00 +0000http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-general-altimax-rt43-h-or-v-speed-rated-v2Tire Rack Consumer ReviewsTire Rack Consumer Review of the Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season (W-Speed Rated)http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-goodyear-eagle-sport-all-season-w-speed-rated-v8
<p>These tires are a huge improvement to my last set; in all categories (although I haven't been in rain or snow with them. (So Cal is still pretty dry). These tires exhibit outstanding traction in cornering, and a better ride quality than previous Z-speed rated tires I had. Very little road noise, combined with excellent dry handling (rain is probably very good as well given the tread design). Mileage is a 'wait and see' as I've only put a few hundred on these. Would highly recommend. (no, I don't own Goodyear stock). Maybe I should.</p>Fri, 15 May 2015 20:29:41 +0000http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-goodyear-eagle-sport-all-season-w-speed-rated-v8Tire Rack Consumer ReviewsTire Rack Consumer Review of the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plushttp://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-pirelli-cinturato-p7-all-season-plus-v133
<p>Although I only have 2000 miles on these tires, I can definitely vouch for them. Ride and noise quality were really restored to my car. Greatly improved wet and snow traction since replacing a near-worn set of Generals. Looks like they will definitely go the distance too. Very pleased with the quality of these Pirellis.</p>Fri, 15 May 2015 20:20:03 +0000http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-pirelli-cinturato-p7-all-season-plus-v133Tire Rack Consumer ReviewsTire Rack Consumer Review of the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plushttp://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-pirelli-cinturato-p7-all-season-plus-v140
<p>I had initially reviewed this tire just after they were installed. I wanted to post an update now that I'm at 5000 miles. This tire gets better with some miles on them. With my vehicle, 39 psi is just right. I haven't seen a decrease in mileage overall, in fact, I might be seeing 1-2 mpg better than the OEM Continentals. The ride is still fantastic and the performance qualities of this tire shine brightly or an all season tire. I have a stage 2 tune and they grip well under hard acceleration. They seem to be wearing quite well and I expect this to continue. Since having some winters weather recently, they are so much better than the OEM Continentals. They grip well and they are better than expected. They aren't the cheapest tire in this size, but worth every penny. If you're on the fence about purchasing this tire, take the plunge!</p>Fri, 15 May 2015 20:11:27 +0000http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-pirelli-cinturato-p7-all-season-plus-v140Tire Rack Consumer ReviewsTire Rack Consumer Review of the Michelin LTX M/S2http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-michelin-ltx-ms2-v118
<p>3 out of 4 have had belt issues, I just had a flat this week and the tire just came apart! This tire for the price needs to be a better quality! others then these issues, this is an exelent running tire, great in the cold and winter</p>Fri, 15 May 2015 19:57:05 +0000http://blog.TireRack.com/blog/tire-rack-consumer-reviews/tire-rack-consumer-review-of-the-michelin-ltx-ms2-v118Tire Rack Consumer Reviews